THIS year’s JCB Pony Club Championship was attended by the North Down Pony Club Polocrosse players (Bailey McGuille, Max Lewis, Abbey Wallace, Ashleigh Saunderson and Eloise Keers) and were joined by other members from Area 17 (Annabelle Gill from East Down and Ella Herron from Iveagh).
The challenging heat, the hire horses a change to usual ponies and the step up the grades to Junior level in order to play as a team, did not deter the players. The teams played exceptionally well against the pool of UK wide Pony Clubs. North Down are proud to say that every one of their players had a top spot on the podium, as well as being rewarded with sashes, trophies, buckets, head collars and lots more in their respective divisions.
The teams were supported in true Pony Club collaboration with North Warwickshire Pony Club (who held a pre-championships camp), Gill James provided the hire horses and Oakland Stable kindly hosted the Area 17 players and parents in the days leading up to championships.
Additional support across the water came from Matt Fynn (ex-North Down Pony Club), Natalie (Matt’s fiancée) who volunteered as umpires, provided a comfortable and homely feel to the games as they gave their feedback, support and encouragement across the two-day competition.
North Down Polocrosse wants to continue its success as the only club in Northern Ireland to play the sport. They have a winter programme with regular coaching from Angela Fynn and guest coaches, Craig Killeff and Iain Heaton (Pony Club polocrosse chairman) on the schedule, who are all ready to encourage and support players to achieve.
Pony Club Polocrosse in 2022 and beyond continues to be a true team sport, but will give players an opportunity to play either for fun at regular weekly sessions and/ or develop competitively during the summer months, where the accolade of representing their country, Area and club at a national level is available and achievable in 2023.
Key dates are training every Tuesday evening and two clinics on September 10/11 with an experienced player and October 29/30 with Iain Heaton (Pony Club polocrosse chairman).
RESULTS
Intermediate Seniors: 1) Ashleigh Saunderson.
Tack & Turnout: 1) Abbey Wallace, Eloise Keers, Bailey McGuille.
Novice Juniors: 2) Max Lewis.
Novice Juniors: 6) Abbey Wallace, Eloise Keers, Bailey McGuille.
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